Free OF DREAMS AND CEREMONIES by Julie Bozza Page B

cold feet, sir, or is it serious second thoughts?"
    He managed a low chuckle in reply. "Neither, really. And today of all days, you can call me Dave, can't you?"

    Simon came out to join him in the cool morning air, closing the door behind him. "We're a bit more formal here in England than you're used to, I imagine."
    "Just a bit," he replied, bunging on the irony.
    "You know, … Dave. You must always ask if you need anything."
    "Thanks, Simon," he said with a nod. "I will. And - likewise."
    "I mean, sir, that I would consider myself to be serving the ultimate good of the family, if there was something you wanted … even if you felt they wouldn't agree. I would be happy to serve you, sir."
    Dave eyed him narrowly. "Are you encouraging me to make a run for it?"
    "Not encouraging, Mr Taylor. Merely making sure that you know it's a possible course of action. If you wish to take it."
    "I don't. But I appreciate the thought." They paced back and forth together companionably for a while, before Dave confessed, "I've been thinking that I've never said - those three little words to him."
    "I am sure that Nicholas is very much aware of how you feel for him. We can all see it."
    "Yeah? Then why do people keep asking me if I want to get out of this?"
    "Ah." Simon considered the gravel at his feet for a moment. "Nicholas does have a way of carrying all before him. Everyone here loves him dearly, and he's too sensitive a man to deliberately hurt anyone. We have, however, learned to speak up on the few occasions when we've needed to." Simon tipped his head towards Dave. "I suppose there might be some concern that you have yet to learn that."
    "No, that's all right. I can fend for myself. Australians are rarely backward in coming forward."
    "Of course, sir. Dave. Well, if I may, I would like to wish you every joy today and in all the days to come."
    "Thank you, Simon. You, too, mate." And Dave went back inside and drank another coffee.
    Soon it was time for Dave to head off with Denise and their little family to get formally dressed. Nicholas kissed him on parting, and told Dave how beautiful he was going to be. Treating him just like a bride! "God, shut up," Dave grumbled. "Anyway, you know no one's gonna outshine you."
    Nicholas chortled in surprise. "Oh, I do believe you have it bad, Mr Taylor."
    "I do, sir," he murmured in reply. "I have it very bad indeed …"
    And they were parted, not to meet again until they were suited and groomed, and ready for the ceremony.
    Dave got dressed in Charlie's room, under Denise's supervision. She was stunning in a dress of heavy silk that looked as if it had simply been draped snugly around her figure but might slip off again at any moment. It was coloured the grey-green of eucalyptus leaves. She'd had a shirt made for Dave in the same material, along with dark grey linen trousers with a slightly rough weave.
    There was also a silk waistcoat of a hazy dark green-blue. It was a simple design, without any collar and with rather discreet buttons, but it was nicely fitted - and a step or two more formal than Dave was really comfortable with.
    "You don't have to wear that," said Denise. "Just the shirt, trousers and proper shoes are enough."
    "Nicholas would like it, though," Dave responded. "Wouldn't he?"
    "Yes, I think so."
    "Okay, then." Dave had had his way about the morning suits, after all, so he could make a gesture in return.
    Charlie, meanwhile, was dressed in the same kind of trousers, and a shirt of the same silk but coloured a dusky version of pink eucalyptus flowers. He looked absolutely magnificent.
    "Jeez …" Dave complained. "Just as I'd gotten used to being the centre of attention for once, you two decide to go and look, like, ten times more gorgeous than me!"
    "As if," Denise returned.
    "And it's my wedding day, thank you very much!"
    "Don't worry about it, mate," Charlie said with some fervour. "You look about as beautiful as a white fella can."

    Which made Dave turn about as pink